Michigan State University
Bowling Green
No. 24 Men's Soccer Downs Bowling Green, 1-0
10/3/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 3, 2007
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EAST LANSING, Mich. - Junior Louis Stephens III scored the game-winner in the 36th minute as the No. 24 Michigan State men's soccer team defeated Bowling Green, 1-0, on Wednesday afternoon at Old College Field. The victory, MSU's second straight, moves the Spartans to 7-0-2 on the season. Bowling Green falls to 3-6-1.
MSU controlled most of the play in the first half, maintaining possession of the ball for the majority of the time and oushooting the Falcons, 5-3. On what was one of many deep trips into the Bowling Green defense, junior Zac Scaffidi was fouled from behind trying to set up a shot. Bowling Green's Cameron Hepple was hurt on the play, and after a long delay, the Spartans had a free kick in the right corner. Senior Kevin Reiman sent the free kick toward the Falcon goal, where a crashing Stephens III volleyed the ball with his right foot into the back of the net.
The goal was the second of the season for Stephens III. Reiman's assist was his third of the season.
The Spartans withstood a strong second half from the Falcons, who had multiple chances for the equalizer late in the game. Bowling Green's best chance came at the 66:28 mark, when the Falcons' leading scorer, Abiola Sandy, fired a hard shot from the left wing. The shot flew past several Spartan defenders and ricocheted hard off the right post.
"Bowling Green is a very good team," head coach Joe Baum said. "That team was as good as many of the better teams we have faced this season. With that said, I thought we played with a lot of composure. We played very good team defense, and we didn't commit any foolish mistakes."
MSU finished with an 11-9 edge in shots and a commanding 8-2 advantage in corner kicks. Junior Doug DeMartin led the Spartans with four shots, including two on goal. Reiman and Stephens III each added two shots.
Senior goalkeeper Chris Austin had three saves en route to his fifth shutout of the season. Bowling Green goalkeeper Paul Shoemaker also had three saves.
The Spartans return to action on Saturday, Oct. 6 when they travel to No. 17 Indiana. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
